Exploring the Cultural Phenomenon of “420” on G4 Television, April 20th

By
CC Magazine
on April 18, 2008

G4 TV is plugged into 420G4 Television presents a “420” block of programming exploring the culture, myths and latest trends surrounding the pop culture phenomenon that has come to be known as 420. The only network on television that delves into 420 mythology, G4 TV will treat viewers to an expanded “Attack of the Show” special exploring the 420 culture and history from the island of Jamaica and North American pot hot spots, a special episode of “Code Monkeys: The Story of 420,” the second season premiere of snowboarding reality series “The Block”, and several popular 420 films.
The variety of programs presented, including specials, premieres and pop culture classics, will give viewers a unique opportunity to learn about origins of the pop culture phenomenon, see how it’s celebrated across the planet, and enjoy all of the comedy associated with it. G4tv.com will also explore the pop culture phenomenon with a multitude of 420-related news, top ten lists, behind-the-scenes videos and special features, only available on the www.G4tv.com website.

G4’s 420 block kicks off at 1:00 pm ET/PT with the quintessential 420 comedy “Half Baked” starring David Chappell followed by a live two-hour “Attack of the Show” special from Jamaica, exploring the island and reporting on the latest news and trends from this “420 nation.”

Following, G4 will present a special all new episode of its animated 8-bit comedy, “Code Monkeys: The Story of 420” featuring guest star, Tommy Chong at 5:00 pm ET/PT, and premiere the second season of “The Block”, which will introduce a new cast and location in Big Bear, California at 5:30 pm ET/PT. Rounding out the evening will be “Reefee’s Madhouse,” G4’s comedic interpretation of the cult classic “Reefer Madness” airing at 6:00 pm ET/PT, and “Grindcore, Class of Nuke ‘Em High” at 7:00 pm ET/PT.

G4’s 420 Programming Guide

G4 Movies – “Half Baked”
1:00pm & 8:00pm

The hilarious adventure of three lovable party buds as they try to bail their friend out of jail. But just when the guys have mastered a plan, everything comes dangerously close to going up in smoke! Stars Dave Chappelle, Jim Breuer, and Harland Williams, with guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson and Tommy Chong.

“Attack of the Show: Jamaica”
3:00pm & 10:00pm

“Attack of the Show” hosts Kevin and Olivia head down to reggae haven, Jamaica, while correspondents Zach Selwyn, Alison Haislip and Big C report on marijuana stories from Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The team explores at the myths behind the “420” cultural phenomenon as they embark on a series of adventures in a special two hours episode.

The team takes a trip through California, where Zach Selwyn interviews the creators of “420” in San Francisco about the meaning of “420” and the significance of the time. Kevin explores the issues surrounding marijuana legalization and interviews a doctor about prop 215 to learn the requirements for getting a card in California and how medical marijuana is used in treatments. In Los Angeles, Alison Haislip reports on a vending machine that vends pot, while Kevin interviews comedian Joe Rogan about his views on cannabis.

Moving on to Canada, Zach reports from Youngsterdam, Toronto’s marijuana district. The show pays a visit to the World’s Largest Head Shop, the Herb Museum in Vancouver B.C., and introduces the marijuana stamp and the plant that gives you a three-week high. (Hey, Cannabis Culture fans! Watch this show for possible appearances by Marc Emery and friends in our downtown Vancouver “Marc Emery’s Cannabis Culture Headquarters”!) In New York, Zach visits the headquarters of “High Times” magazine to interview the founder and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magazine is put together.

The expanded “420” episode features a comprehensive history of pot over the last 12,000 years, exposes viewers to the science of cannabis, the effects of pot, main chemicals and the various methods of consumption, and includes comedy-infused skits from Tommy Chong.

“Code Monkeys: The Story of 420”
5:00pm, 7:30pm & 12:30am

To allay the wait for the new second season, G4 delivers an early episode exploring the pop culture phenomenon of “420” which the characters prove to know so well. The special features guest star Tommy Chong who leads the “Code Monkeys” crew on a hazy adventure filled with plenty of high-jinks. Armed with a magic map, the crew will embark on a treasure hunt for the meaning of 420.

“The Block” – Season Two Premiere
5:30pm, 12:00am & 2:30am

“The Block” returns for a second season with an all-new location and an all-new cast. Block Hotel Co-Owners Liko and Mark have their work cut out for them as they try to hire legit snowboarders for their hotel staff. Liko has arranged for 50 potential new hires to endure a 10-day boot camp that will eliminate the weak job candidates. The survivors of the camp go on to show off their skills in Snow Valley.

G4 Movies – “Reefee’s Madhouse”
6:00pm & 1:00am

G4 presents a re-voiced version of the original cult classic, “Reefer Madness” with new audio from “Reefee’s Madhouse,” giving this classic public service film a whole new meaning! The re-dubbed version will add an extra-layer of characters and storyline that viewers who love the original movie and “Reefee’s Madhouse” will enjoy.

“Grindcore: Class of Nuke ‘Em High”
7:00pm & 2:00am

“Grindcore,” the show that squeezes the best scenes out of a movie, is back with the Troma cult classic, “Class of Nuke ‘Em High”. G4 will present a special screening hosted by Chris Gore and comedian Blair Butler and commentary from Writer/Director Lloyd Kaufman.

Cypress Hill frontman B-Real knows hip hop?and knows weed! Which is why he is the perfect MC for our special 420 Freestyle 101. One of L.A.’s biggest rap groups ever, Cypress Hill practically put smoking on the hip hop map with their 19991 debut CD and hits like “Stoned Is The Way of the Walk” “Insane In The Membrane” and “Dr. Greenthumb.” Though producer DJ Muggs gets much acclaim for the group’s distinct sound, it’s B-Real’s nasally voice (armed with partner in rhyme Sen Dog’s gruff backing vocals) that is the most recognizable element of the Cypress Hill sound. All you need to hear is one second of B on the mic, and you know your jammin’ to a Cypress joint – so to speak.

So Freestyle 101 was honored when the stoned raider himself dropped by The Engine Room in Hollywood to spit an off the top rhyme over a dope Messiaz dub beat, and chat about the early days of hip hop in L.A., KDAY, The Wake Up Show and Radiotron. He even threw in references to NBA Live and SoCom for you gamers. He’s promoting his killer new mixtape Gunslinger 3 (available in stores and on brealonline.com) and hyping y’all on the upcoming new Cypress Hill album (in the works now).

Freestyle 101 goes up at 9 a.m. PST (that’s noon over on the east) every Tuesday. Next week we bring you Buckshot of Black Moon, followed by Tha Alkaholiks reunion, Ali Vegas, Big Noyd, Smooth da Hustler, Kool Keith, M.O.P., Saafir, and many more. Make sure to dig our behind the scenes photos, visit us on MySpace and rant in our Forums. And if you dig this watch more Freestyle 101s from West Coast rappers such as Ice-T, Ras Kass, Tash, RBX and Del. And make sure to vote for Freestyle 101 in The Webbys, where we are nominated for Best Music Series! Support hip hop! VOTE HERE!